Price of Freedom: Taekook's Dark Deal

5

OUTSIDE. JUNGKOOK'S MANSION - NIGHT

Taehyung arrives at Jungkook's mansion, his face marked by desperation and exhaustion. He is stopped at the gate by Jungkook's men.

GUARD 1: (sternly) State your business.

Taehyung swallows hard, his voice shaky but determined.

TAEHYUNG: (desperately) I need to see Jungkook. It's urgent.

The guards exchange skeptical looks, sizing him up. Taehyung's desperation is palpable, his eyes wide with fear and anxiety.

GUARD 2: (coldly) He's not expecting anyone tonight. Go home.

Taehyung feels his hope slipping away. He can't afford to be turned away now, not when his mother's life is on the line. He steps closer to the guards, his voice rising with urgency.

TAEHYUNG: (pleading) Please, just tell him Taehyung is here. He knows me.

The guards hesitate for a moment. The desperation in Taehyung's voice gives them pause. Guard 1 nods to Guard 2, who takes out his radio.

GUARD 2: (into radio) We've got a guy here. Says his name is Taehyung.

There's a brief silence before a response crackles through the radio. Taehyung's heart races, each second feeling like an eternity. Finally, the radio buzzes back with a voice Taehyung recognizes as Jungkook's

JUNGKOOK (OVER RADIO): (calmly) Let him in.

The guards look at each other, then step aside. One of them pushes a button, and the gate begins to slowly open. Taehyung lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, his legs almost buckling with relief. He moves forward, his pace quickening as he enters the grounds of the mansion.

INSIDE. JUNGKOOK'S MANSION - NIGHT

Taehyung is escorted through the lavish interior of the mansion, his eyes flickering around nervously. The luxury of the place feels overwhelming, but he keeps his focus on the task at hand. The guards lead him to a large, imposing door. One of them knocks, then opens it, gesturing for Taehyung to enter.

Jungkook sits behind a large desk, looking up as Taehyung steps inside. His expression is unreadable, but his eyes hold a glimmer of curiosity.

JUNGKOOK: (calmly) Taehyung. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?

Taehyung takes a deep breath, steeling himself. He walks up to the desk, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

TAEHYUNG: (voice breaking) My mother... They've taken her. I need your help, Jungkook.

Jungkook's expression remains neutral, but a flicker of interest crosses his eyes. He leans back in his chair, regarding Taehyung with a calculated gaze.

JUNGKOOK: (slowly) And what are you willing to offer in exchange for my help?

Taehyung's heart sinks. He knew this was coming, but hearing the words out loud still feels like a blow. He takes a shaky breath, his voice barely a whisper.

TAEHYUNG: (defeated) I'll do anything. Just... please, help me save her.

Jungkook's lips curl into a small, satisfied smile. He stands up, walking around the desk to stand in front of Taehyung. He reaches out, lifting Taehyung's chin with a finger, forcing him to meet his gaze.

TAEHYUNG: (voice cracking) Jungkook, please. I'm begging you. I'll do anything. Just help me get my mother back.

JUNGKOOK: (coldly) Anything? You know what that means, Taehyung. Once you're in, there's no turning back. Are you prepared for that?